IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

Robert F. Blake

If one had to choose one word that would describe Bob Blake, it would be “gentleman.” Bob was a gentleman in the noble sense of the word.

Bob’s death came suddenly in a swift heart attack as he prepared to go to bed one night. His wife responded to the sound of his body falling and found him dead. It happened that fast.

We were all dumbfounded by the news. Bob was so in love with life. He was into everything. He was a scholar who loved books and classical music. He loved teaching. He loved his family—his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his cello.

His four children gave eloquent eulogies at his funeral mass, but the most touching moment came when his son spoke of Bob and his cello. It seems Bob never mastered that so-and-so instrument. But he kept trying. And his family kept covering their ears. It was love Bob—love his cello. He finally had mercy on his loved ones and gave it up. He was always sacrificing for his family.

Not so long ago, Bob had both knees replaced. He returned to the Executive Board full of pepper describing the surgery as a piece of cake and showing us how well he was walking. He went back to his tai chi class where he excelled in those floatation movements. Feeling like a young man again, he went white-water rafting. The pictures of him surrounded by white mountains of water show Bob at his exhilarated best.

The name Robert Blake appears as number one on the English Department seniority list with 131 semesters of seniority. Even if you assume 3 semesters of seniority for every year, that calculates into 43 years of service to this college; but Bob taught here before there was a union. Just think of the thousands of students that were exposed to the wisdom of this scholar who loved his profession and selflessly shared that wisdom.

Bob was a true believer in the AFA. He served as department representative for the English Department for years, was elected to the Executive Board time and time again. He was dedicated to the struggle and militant in his commitment to end the exploitation of the adjunct faculty.

Nassau Community College has lost one of its best professors, and the AFA has lost one of its best union leaders. Whenever we see those gliding movements of tai chi or a raft defying white-water, we’ll see Bob.

Charles Loiacono



	IN MEMORIAM Robert F. Blake If one had to choose one word that would describe Bob Blake, it would be “gentleman.” Bob was a gentleman in the noble sense of the word. Bob’s death came suddenly in a swift heart attack as he prepared to go to bed one night. His wife responded to the sound of his body falling and found him dead. It happened that fast. We were all dumbfounded by the news. Bob was so in love with life. He was into everything. He was a scholar who loved books and classical music. He loved teaching. He loved his family—his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his cello. His four children gave eloquent eulogies at his funeral mass, but the most touching moment came when his son spoke of Bob and his cello. It seems Bob never mastered that so-and-so instrument. But he kept trying. And his family kept covering their ears. It was love Bob—love his cello. He finally had mercy on his loved ones and gave it up. He was always sacrificing for his family. Not so long ago, Bob had both knees replaced. He returned to the Executive Board full of pepper describing the surgery as a piece of cake and showing us how well he was walking. He went back to his tai chi class where he excelled in those floatation movements. Feeling like a young man again, he went white-water rafting. The pictures of him surrounded by white mountains of water show Bob at his exhilarated best. The name Robert Blake appears as number one on the English Department seniority list with 131 semesters of seniority. Even if you assume 3 semesters of seniority for every year, that calculates into 43 years of service to this college; but Bob taught here before there was a union. Just think of the thousands of students that were exposed to the wisdom of this scholar who loved his profession and selflessly shared that wisdom. Bob was a true believer in the AFA. He served as department representative for the English Department for years, was elected to the Executive Board time and time again. He was dedicated to the struggle and militant in his commitment to end the exploitation of the adjunct faculty. Nassau Community College has lost one of its best professors, and the AFA has lost one of its best union leaders. Whenever we see those gliding movements of tai chi or a raft defying white-water, we’ll see Bob. Charles Loiacono